For writers Darren Wershler and Bill Kennedy, status updates are also poetry. Or,
rather, it becomes poetry after the RRS feeds of thousands of Facebook users have
been harvested, shorn of the user names and attached to the names of dead poets or
writers.

This co-production brings together NFB’s Out My Window team led by Katerina Cizek with Artist Priam Givord, and CFC Media Lab team David Bouchard, Galen Scorer and Ana Serrano to create a more than life size version of Out My Window.

It explores the state of our urban planet through the people who look out onto the world from highrise windows.

Out My Window features 90 minutes of documentary material from 13 cities around the world, shot in 13 languages. As the director, it’s been an honour to work on this huge global collaborative effort over the last year: we worked with over 100 photographers, journalists, architects, residents, activists, researchers around the world to bring you these incredible stories of inspiration, community and resilience.

Sufferrosa is one of the biggest interactive web-based movies ever made (110 scenes, 3 alternative endings, and 20 different locations!) The film is a satire of cult, beauty and youth in the present-day world.

Do you remember the film ‘Logan’s Run’ (1976), where everybody who is older than 30 gets exterminated? Probably our generation is not endangered by such experiments. But there is a chance that, in 40 years time we will all have transformed into frustrated woopies (Well-Off Older People) who spend their life savings on plastic surgery. And when it happens that the scalpel is not enough, we will probably head directly to the clinic of Carlos von Braun. As Mae West once said “You are never too old to become younger”…

*Interested in being part of the next TELUS Interactive Art & Entertainment Program at the CFC Media Lab? We’re now accepting RSVP’s for our TELUS IAEP Spring 2011 Info Session on November 17th at 6:30pm in Downtown Toronto. Please RSVP to medialab@cfccreates.com to be forwarded the location details.

OCAD is looking for an instructor for their Time-Based/Transmedia Narrative course to start this Fall, so you will have to act fast!

Time-Based/Transmedia Narrative course (ADVR 3B03):
This course continues the study of trans-media narrative and introduces the subject of storytelling and the construction of a narrative structure as students gain an understanding of time-based media across a number of traditional and emerging platforms. Instruction includes the creation of scripts, their refinement and pre-production requirements. As well, students are introduced to professional techniques that will support the execution of their advertising concepts. Projects will include television commercials, time-based web media and other media currently used in conjunction with modern global advertising.

I hope this letter finds everyone well, rested from a glorious summer, eager to embrace fall, and ready to rock n’ roll through to the rest of 2010. This August I was lucky to have spent some time in the mountains of the French High Alps at a place called Les Terraces, above the small alpine village La Grave — that’s The Grave to you. The place feels totally different from Banff, — less wilderness-y, though still wild, and feels more like a portal into the 12th century.

Here’s a picture taken from one of our walks!

Now, given what you see here, you’d think the mountains would keep thoughts of work at bay. But I must admit I would often think of the Lab. Before you groan and mutter “crazyworkaholic” let me explain.

MY TOP FIVE REASONS WHY IT WAS OKAY TO THINK OF THE CFC MEDIA LAB in the FRENCH ALPS:

Galen Scorer, former CFC Media Lab Research & Tech Manager is sleeping on my couch as we rush to premiere our new interactive production! Alum, Patrick Dinnen is part of the team building this exciting new work.

As you enter TIFF Bell Lightbox, you will encounter an interactive projection above the box office: a dynamic visualization of kinetic images from each of the Essential 100 Films. Text in “your essential cinema” — one film from the Essential 100. The system takes note of it and adds it to every other person’s choice. The projected visualization then changes as the difference between what you think and what TIFF thinks is displayed on the screen. “What’s Your Essential Cinema?” pits the general public against the experts and puts you at the center of the conversation.

Alumni David McCallum, Rose Bianchini, Kathleen Climie, Sharon Switzer, Angella Mackey, & Pearl Chen are currently rocking out (in spirit and in person) in California under the helm of Leonardo Dell’Anno!

The 2010 01SJ (ZER01, San Jose) Biennial is predicated on the notion that as artists, designers, engineers, architects, marketers, corporations and citizens we have the tools to (re)build the world, conceptually and actually, virtually and physically, poorly and better, aesthetically and pragmatically, in both large and small ways.

Under the theme “Build Your Own World,” the CFC Media Lab will be leading a series of workshops where participants can make their Hoodie “zombie-tag” ready for a widespread, participatory game. There won’t be cut throat competition. And Heidi Klum won’t show up. But you will get to make your own signature “wearable Hoodie” that enables you to play Zombie Tag during the AbsoluteZER0 street festival on Friday, September 17. Project HoodiePlay is based on a wearable game by Rose Bianchini, Kathleen Climie and David McCallum created during their residency at CFC Media Lab’s TELUS Interactive Art & Entertainment Program.

Special shout out goes to Kate Hartman, CFC Media Lab guest faculty for helping us design the workshop!

CFC Media Lab and Art for Commuters founder, Sharon Switzer will also present the “Best Of” works from the Art For Commuters library that speak to the theme of conscious creation. Screenings will happen during 01SJ as part of the Future Films program.

Nuit Blanche is almost upon us and we have a launch to prepare for Oct. 2nd! CFC Media Lab IAEP Coordinator Kimberly Dean, while not running stabletalk, is helping fearless leader Jacqueline Nuwame make this happen at our new venue partner InterAccess!

At this year’s Scotiabank Nuit Blanche the CFC Media Lab will present Close Encounters, an annual exhibition of work by residents of the TELUS Interactive Art & Entertainment Program. These interactive media projects run the gamut from interactive sound pieces to iPhone wearable gaming systems. From those which explore notions of first contact, to others which invite us to reimagine play. Regardless of technology platform or theme, each of these projects makes us look at things a different way. Shaving cream, pillows, mud – they can all become vehicles for our persistent visions. The gallery will be transformed into a space for inquisitive discovery and play. Created by: Dee Balkissoon, Camille Betts, Rose Bianchini, Dawn Buie, Cathy Chen, Kathleen Climie, Justin Ferrato, Liz Gallo, Orla Garriques, David Goorevitch, Conor Holler, David McCallum and featured Alumni Artist, Sharon Switzer.

Prototype Launch? Hell ya, we can do more! So, CFC Media Lab Digital Production Manager, Steve Ferguson and our new Research and Technology Manager, Dave Kretz are working alongside our new partners the Royal Conservatory of Music to create a whole new work for Nuit Blanche.

Commissioned by TELUS, Musical Rumble: Jazz vs Classical, is an interactive experience where larger-than-life musicians are projected onto the TELUS Centre windows while audiences use their smartphones to play a virtual game where jazz and classical musicians battle for your vote. Stop by the Bloor Street courtyard of the TELUS Centre (273 Bloor Street West, Toronto) on October 2nd from 7pm-7am to see, hear and interact with the projected performances!

and last, but not least,

Jacqueline Nuwame, CFC Media Lab Senior Programs Manager, has redefined multitasking as she helps me keep all of the above running smoothly while ushering a new group of residents for the Fall 2010 TELUS IAEP session!

The average age of this group is sweet-thirty and boasts the following stellar individuals:
Ryan Bigge is a Toronto-based freelance journalist and content strategist with a focus on technology and cultural trends. His publication credits include the New York Times Magazine and the Toronto Star.
Edwin Lara is a digital artist whose recent work was on display at the Launch Projects art gallery for the “Do Artist Dream of Electric Easels” exhibition. Edwin’s studies include everything from graphic design, marketing to art history.

Dylan Reibling hails from a small rural community in southwestern Ontario. He makes documentaries, narrratives, and experimental films and organizes events and art installations.

Vanessa Shaver is an award-winning writer and filmmaker who possesses a passion for story well-told, character well-wrought and concept well-formed. Vanessa has worked with Shaftesbury Films, Henry Less Productions, ImagiNation Film and Television, marblemedia and Big Studios.

Bobie Taffe is an independent interactive cross platform Producer. Her production company, Taffe Entertainment, produces feature films/documentaries/dramatic series/lifestyle programs that focus on exploring issues of race, sexuality, self-image, multiculturalism and social justice. Bobie has been actively working in the Canadian Film and Television Industry for a little more than a decade.

Ron Wild worked in traditional Civil / Structural disciplines before earning an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. Ron managed small hi-tech venture companies for over 15 years before transitioning into creating and exhibiting digital art.

Tsu-Ching Yu with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science and diploma in digital media at the Recording Arts Canada Digital Arts College, is a lyric coloratura soprano. She is also an ACTRA stunt performer for film and television who trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

I was thinking of listing my Top 10 Reasons…but got tired after five. (Now I see why I may have needed to climb almost 15,782 ft to get away from it all.) But the reality is that I wasn’t letting thoughts of work destroy my zen mountain moments: I thought about the team of staff, alumni, faculty and former colleagues of CFC Media Lab because I was in awe of how much amazing work they are doing. (Notice I didn’t even mention any of the other work our esteemed community has been building within their own corporations and practice! Way to go Caitlin! Woo hoo Gorbets for the San Jose Airport! Congrats, Martha, on finishing up your comprehensives! Dare I go on?)

And as many of you know, there are another five projects lurking around the corner ready to be announced after we get through the 01SJ/TIFF/NUIT Blanche triage.

So here I am sitting in a dusty hallway of the new Bell Lightbox, high from sleep-deprivation, copying and pasting text into the Max Patch for Galen. The plug behind me does not work, my black skirt is now drywall white, and sure I miss the mountains. But I’m really excited about this Fall and seeing everyone this weekend for our annual BBQ.

The CFC Media Lab and the docSHIFT Initiative have joined forces to present TWEAK: an Idea-Refinement Boot Camp for Digital Documentaries. We are looking for up to 30 experienced producers, creators, directors, writers, strategists and architects with an interesting interactive documentary idea and the desire to have their idea analyzed, work-shopped and honed from both a creative and business perspective. This 2-day weekend workshop will be facilitated by a series of high level industry mentors along with UK’s Frank Boyd, former BBC Director of Creative Development and the visionary behind Crossover Labs as well as CFC Media Lab Faculty member. Selected participants will retain ownership of their project idea but must be open to working collaboratively in a group setting—sharing their idea, receiving input, and also giving valuable input on other projects.

TWEAK will run from September 25-26

Application Deadline Quickly Approaching!

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010, 5pm
Participants will be announced Friday, September 17.
Email applications/questions to Leonardo Dell’Anno: ldellanno@cfccreates.com

1. You & your career
2. Your interactive documentary idea
3. What you want to get out of TWEAK

ELIGIBILITY:
• you have a strong interactive doc idea (mobile, web, game, multiple platforms)
• you must live and work in Ontario
• you must be an experienced and established documentary content creator (ie. producer, director, editor, writer, media artist, other) OR an experienced interactive digital media professional (ie. game developer, mobile developer, web designer, interactive producer)
• you are available weekend of September 25/26th both days, all day
• you are willing to pay registration fee of $100 (DOC Members) or $150 (nonmembers)

Please note: those of you who applied for or participated in the docSHIFT Crossover Weekend in May are eligible to apply for TWEAK. TWEAK (focused on idea refinement) has been designed to compliment and extend from the Crossover Weekend which focused on idea generation. TWEAK is both a stand alone event and a good preparatory phase for those interested in the docSHIFT Institute (see below).

ABOUT THE docSHIFT INSTITUTE:
Four experienced creators with winning and innovative interactive documentary project ideas (games, mobile apps, websites) will receive mentorship, professional consultation and some financial support to complete their project or create a proto-type. docSHIFT Institute is part time (nights & weekend days) beginning mid November 2010 and running for approximately 5 months. Details & Call For Applications will be posted shortly.

docSHIFT is made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation on behalf of the Ministry of Culture. It is presented in partnership with Ryerson University, Hot Docs, CFC Media Lab and the National Film Board.

Whether you’re a strategic collector of railroads or would rather invest in hotels on Mediterranean and Baltic, here is your official invitation and reminder to come out and play award-winning Gentrification: The Game! developed by Atmosphere Industries (www.atmosphereindustries.com)comprised of CFC Media Lab Alumnus and Guest Faculty Member, Kate Raynes-Goldie, with Luke Walker, David Fono and Alex Raynes-Goldie.

Gentrification: The Game! is a game*! But not your usual kind of game.
It’s a game that happens on the street, with sidewalk chalk, parades, and even a mobile web app if you feel like it. It’s called a Big Game by festivals like Come Out and Play in NYC, who awarded us Best in Fest and Best Use of Technology this summer, out of 40 other games from organizations like Disney Imagineering and NYU. Ditto for the Hide & Seek Festival in London, who are flying team across the pond this month for an ultra-exclusive edition of Gentrification: The Game: The British Expansion Pack.

THE WHEN: July 25, 2010 at 1 PMTHE WHERE: Kensington Market, Toronto: Corner of Augusta Ave & Denison Sq (by Amadeus Cafe)
ADMISSION: FREE (but registration is advised because there will be a limited number of walk-ups)

*Gentrification in a nutshell: 30 people, divided into teams of developers and locals, fight to collect real-life properties, build chain coffee shops, form BIAs, and bend the neighbourhood to their will. They’ll craft slick advertising campaigns, deliver impassioned speeches, and probably run around a bit. It’s part Monopoly, part public space hacking, and part something else entirely.

CMTO 2010 features an all-star line-up of industry executives and technology experts. Our goal is to bridge the gap between the different media sectors in order share information and find new opportunities. We want the gaming people to meet the TV people, the publishing people to meet the web video people, and everyone to meet the advertising people but let’s be honest, in the end, it’s all about the money.

Cross Media TO brings together leaders from all key media industries to discuss, demonstrate, and debate cross media integration and partnerships. Our goal is to bridge the gap between the different media sectors in order share information and find new opportunities. We want the gaming people to meet the TV people, the publishing people to meet the web video people, and everyone to meet the advertising people but let’s be honest, in the end, it’s all about the money.

PrivacyCampTO will convene 60 participants from all walks of life, including educators, techies, policymakers, students, academics, librarians, and casual users to talk about privacy issues and solutions in the age of social media ubiquity. We will look at privacy issues relating to everyday users and everyday situations both practically and theoretically. In other words, privacy for everyone. So, come to discuss privacy policy, learn how to protect yourself on Facebook or share your online privacy experiences (positive or negative).

WHEN: June 19, 2010 at 9PM

WHERE: Ryerson University
80 Gould Street, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON

We’re aiming to have a friendly, informal and accessible event. Everyone is invited to participate or present and we encourage those presenting to do a more informal led-conversation or speed geek in lieu of a PowerPoint. Bonus: All attendees get free breakfast, lunch and beer (at the hacklab.to after party!)

Out My Window: CFC Media Lab co-produces with NFB the installation Out My Window: Interactive Views from the Global Highrise, one of the world’s first 360 degree webdocumentaries, set to premiere at International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). This co-production brings together NFB’s Out My Window team led by Katerina Cizek with Artist Priam Givord, […]

Last week we had the absolute pleasure of introducing International Guest Director, Dawid Marcinkowski (Director/Screenwriter/Editor/Designer), to our current Residents of the TELUS Interactive Art & Entertainment Program*. What began with screenings of his online interactive music videos Smolik Attitude (www.nobudget.art.pl) and Someday on the Misty Island (www.dawidmarcinkowski.com/mistyisland) as well as his interactive film Sufferosa (sufferrosa.com) […]

PSST! Hey Alumni… OCAD is looking for an instructor for their Time-Based/Transmedia Narrative course to start this Fall, so you will have to act fast! Time-Based/Transmedia Narrative course (ADVR 3B03): This course continues the study of trans-media narrative and introduces the subject of storytelling and the construction of a narrative structure as students gain an […]

September 9, 2010 Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds everyone well, rested from a glorious summer, eager to embrace fall, and ready to rock n’ roll through to the rest of 2010. This August I was lucky to have spent some time in the mountains of the French High Alps at a place called […]

The CFC Media Lab and the docSHIFT Initiative have joined forces to present TWEAK: an Idea-Refinement Boot Camp for Digital Documentaries. We are looking for up to 30 experienced producers, creators, directors, writers, strategists and architects with an interesting interactive documentary idea and the desire to have their idea analyzed, work-shopped and honed from both […]

Whether you’re a strategic collector of railroads or would rather invest in hotels on Mediterranean and Baltic, here is your official invitation and reminder to come out and play award-winning Gentrification: The Game! developed by Atmosphere Industries (www.atmosphereindustries.com) comprised of CFC Media Lab Alumnus and Guest Faculty Member, Kate Raynes-Goldie, with Luke Walker, David Fono and […]

THE WHAT: Cross Media TO 2010 THE WHEN: 6 – 9:30pm, July 21, 2010 THE WHERE: MaRS Centre, 101 College St. Toronto CMTO 2010 features an all-star line-up of industry executives and technology experts. Our goal is to bridge the gap between the different media sectors in order share information and find new opportunities. We […]

CFC Media Lab is partnering up with MaRS (www.marsdd.com) to present to you Cross Media TO (www.crossmediato.com)! WHEN: July 21, 2010, 6pm – 9:30pm WHERE: MaRS Centre, 101 College St. Toronto, ON Cross Media TO brings together leaders from all key media industries to discuss, demonstrate, and debate cross media integration and partnerships. Our goal […]

Privacy for everyone! PrivacyCampTO will convene 60 participants from all walks of life, including educators, techies, policymakers, students, academics, librarians, and casual users to talk about privacy issues and solutions in the age of social media ubiquity. We will look at privacy issues relating to everyday users and everyday situations both practically and theoretically. In […]